Table 4 presents the frequency of sick leave due to musculoskeletal problems in different body regions during the 12 months prior to the study. Problems of the lower back, knees, upper back, and shoulders caused the highest
rate of sick leave. Table 5 shows the results of assessment of physical exposure to work-related musculoskeletal risks.
TABLE 4. Frequency of Sick Leave (%) Due to Reported Musculoskeletal Disorder Problems in
Different Body Regions in the 12 Months Prior to the Study (n = 116)
Body Regions
Sick Leave
No. of Cases %
Neck 13 11.2
Shoulders 21 18.1
Elbows 14 12.1
Wrists/hands 18 15.5
Upper back 24 20.7
Lower back 27 23.3
Thighs 16 13.8
Knees 27 23.3
Legs/feet 16 13.8